Reading 5 is about the concept of spectacle. To me, spectacle means something you see that is shocking or just makes you stop and stare. The reading ties spectacle back to the Greek tragedies in theatre and performing arts. It also defines spectacle as anything you see that elicits an emotional response. For example, public executions and torture are considered a spectacle. Because of all the new and evolving types of mediums, the role of the spectator develops and what we view as a spectacle is changing. The article talks about television and its role in desensitizing the spectator. I absolutely agree with the article in that media has made us immune to some spectacles. Television shows have changed drastically and anything can be expected when flipping through the channels. Random, crazy scenes are not rare anymore– and because of that, we have a mentality to expect anything.
Although I said that television has made us immune to spectacle, I must admit, I am not completely desensitized. There are two shows that I am addicted to that I would consider spectacles– Intervention and Hoarders on A&E. These shows elicit strong, emotional reactions from me. There is definitely a shock value to those shows, and they never cease to amaze me. They are like train-wrecks that I just can’t look away from. Another source of spectacle in my life is a photo series that I did for my senior thesis project. I used average people and photographed them acting/dressing like celebrities to illustrate the idea of obsession and desire for fame. The photos were supposed to cause a reaction from the viewer, whether the reaction was hate for the spectacle of celebrity or enjoyment of celebrity mockery. Here is the link for my project– http://www.flickr.com/groups/1275717@N21/
